Image source: topwar.ru
The Franco-German concern KNDS presented a demonstration model of the new 155-mm self-propelled howitzer LORAS ("long-range artillery system") with an exclusive barrel length of 58 calibers, which is designed to significantly increase the range of self-propelled guns.
Earlier, the Pentagon tried to acquire a similar product by developing the XM1299 ACS as part of the ERCA program. The main feature of this system was the replacement of a standard barrel (39 calibers long) with an extra-long XM907 cannon of 58 calibers (that is, 8.99 m). Such a long barrel allows the powder gases to accelerate the projectile longer, providing increased muzzle velocity. The range of fire when firing the APC exceeded 70 km. For comparison, the M109 ACS hits an average distance of 22-30 km.
Despite successful range tests, the US Army faced a number of serious technical problems, in particular, increased barrel wear (it was enough for several dozen shots) and difficulties with the automatic loader (the integration of the AZ onto the old M109 chassis proved to be too difficult). In this regard, at the beginning of 2024, the Pentagon officially closed the XM1299 development project.
However, ultra-long-range shooting technologies continue to evolve. KNDS decided to try its hand at this field, developing LORAS, which is claimed to have a range of up to 100 km.
To use such a long barrel, the breech was significantly expanded and lengthened. The system accommodates up to 6 modular powder charges of a new type at once (up to 144 such modules are placed on board). Due to the huge volume of gunpowder, the pressure in the chamber increases to extreme values at the moment of firing. In this regard, the LORAS breech looks very "bloated", as the thickness of its steel walls has been increased to prevent metal rupture and deformation.
The modified design of the breech ensures sealing so that the powder gases do not break back at peak loads.
The firing range should be up to 60 km when using conventional OFS and up to 100 km when using special long-range ammunition of a new generation (for example, projectiles with a RAP rocket accelerator). Self-propelled guns such as CAESAR, PzH 2000 and RCH 155, based on 155 mm/52 guns, have a range of 30-40 and 50-60 km, respectively. On this occasion, the Western press notes:
The demonstrator of the new ACS is mounted on a Boxer Tracked tracked chassis with an uninhabited warhead and is equipped with an AZ for 30 shells. The loading process includes automated programming of the inductive fuse and provides a rate of fire of more than 8 rounds per minute. The combat weight is less than 45 tons. The dimensions of the machine are 11.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 m.
The turret with a remote-controlled machine gun and a smoke screen launcher is capable of rotating 360° and has elevation angles from -2.5° to +65°, which also allows direct fire.
